Saint Paul the Apostle Orthodox Monastery

Saint Paul's Monastery (OCA) is a small brotherhood in rural Marietta, Wisconsin, dedicated to bringing the Athonite spiritual tradition to life in the English language [https://saintpaulsmonastery.org]. The monastery follows the Orthodox Christian tradition and is part of the Orthodox Church in America [https://saintpaulsmonastery.org/about].

Saint Paul's Monastery (OCA) is a small brotherhood nestled in the bluffs of rural Marietta, Wisconsin, USA. The monastery was founded in October 2022 with the blessing of Archbishop Peter of Chicago and is led by Father Menas, a monk with over 50 years of experience [https://saintpaulsmonastery.org/about]. The community follows the Athonite spiritual tradition and conducts services in English, aiming to share the faith in the common language of America [https://saintpaulsmonastery.org].

The monastery's daily cycle of services includes Orthros at 6:00 am Monday through Saturday, Vespers at 5:00 pm Monday through Saturday, and lunch at 12:00 pm with readings [https://saintpaulsmonastery.org/schedule]. The community also offers an extensive collection of museum-quality mounted icon prints, crafted by monks and volunteers [https://saintpaulsmonastery.org/ourwork].

The monastery's property spans approximately 27 acres and is shaded by sugar maple, white oak, and red pine trees. A small stream flows through the center of the land, providing a natural habitat for whitetail deer and ducks [https://saintpaulsmonastery.org/about]. The community welcomes visitors and offers a Pilgrim's Guide for those planning a visit [https://www.saintpaulsmonastery.org/_files/ugd/dadc68_dcb11d98e6d742168ae76802589170db.pdf].

The monastery is part of the Diocese of the Midwest of the Orthodox Church in America and is under the jurisdiction of Archbishop Daniel of Chicago [https://saintpaulsmonastery.org/about]. The community is actively involved in restoration and construction projects, including the completion of a two-story multi-purpose refectory and guest quarters in 2025 [https://saintpaulsmonastery.org/about].

Saint Paul the Apostle Orthodox Monastery in Boscobel, WI, offers a serene rural setting with Athonite spiritual traditions expressed in English. First-time visitors will notice a structured daily schedule of prayer services, a welcoming Pilgrim's Guide for guests, and a community-focused approach to Orthodox worship. The natural landscape and museum-quality icon collection reflect the monks' dedication to both faith and craftsmanship.

Pros

• Clear daily service times for Orthros, Vespers, and communal lunch with readings
• Welcomes visitors with a downloadable Pilgrim's Guide for planning visits
• Services conducted in English to accommodate local communities
• Facilities include a dedicated chapel, guest quarters, and an icon workshop
• Natural setting with scenic bluffs, streams, and wildlife habitats
• Active community projects like icon production and construction of new facilities

Cons

• Rural location may require travel for some visitors
• No explicit details about accessibility features on the website
• Limited information on family or children's ministries
• Early morning service times (6:00 AM) may be challenging for some attendees
• Small community size may limit scale of communal activities